Penang, 8 September 2026 – Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) today opened the ninth edition of its flagship World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (ESTCON 2026) at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), welcoming more than 1,000 delegates from over 20 countries to explore engineering, science and technology solutions that strengthen energy security, advance sustainable living and regenerate natural capital for long-term sustainable development.
The congress was officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, and featured a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, government representatives, policymakers, researchers and technical professionals.
Held under the theme “Technology, Resilience and Regeneration: Engineering Pathways to a Sustainable Future,” ESTCON 2026 provides a platform for stakeholders across disciplines to exchange knowledge, forge collaborations and advance solutions to the interconnected challenges facing industries and societies.
UTP President Ir. Mohamed Firouz Asnan said “This year’s ESTCON is purposefully designed around the grand challenges that will define the future of societies and industries, namely energy security, sustainable living and regenerative futures. These themes reflect UTP’s research excellence and our commitment to advancing solutions that create meaningful economic, environmental and societal impact.”
He added that ESTCON provided a platform for researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and technology innovators to come together and accelerate solutions to these complex challenges.
The two-day congress welcomed more than 30 internationally recognised speakers from academia, industry and government, alongside over 330 technical paper presentations spanning sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and advanced materials.
The keynote programme featured four distinguished speakers addressing critical issues across energy, technology and sustainable development.
The congress opened with Datuk Ir (Dr) Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management, PETRONAS, who delivered “Energy Security in Transition: Reimagining the Future of Oil & Gas,” followed by Prof Niall Mac Dowell, Professor of Future Energy Systems, Imperial College London, with “Engineering Resilient Energy Systems for New Order of World.”
On the second day, Prof Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, Professor, University of Geneva, will present “Regenerative Quantum AI Systems: Moving from Creative Machines to Living Intelligence.” Dato’ Seri TPr (Dr.) Maimunah Mohd Sharif, PETRONAS Property Advisor and Advisor on Sustainable Urbanisation to the Government of Malaysia, will follow with “Designing Low-Carbon Futures with AI and Digital Innovation.”
The keynote sessions reflected the breadth of ESTCON 2026, connecting energy security and resilient energy systems with artificial intelligence, digital innovation and low-carbon development.
Beyond the keynote addresses, ESTCON 2026’s congress forums examined some of the major questions at the intersection of technology, energy and sustainability.
Discussions included “Is Nuclear Energy the Missing Piece in Global Energy Security?”, exploring the potential role of nuclear energy in meeting future energy needs; “Net-Positive Impact Loops: A Spiral of Continuous Improvement,” focusing on regenerative approaches to creating lasting environmental and societal value; and “Intelligent and Resilient Human Habitats: Where AI, Sustainability, and Human Well-Being Converge,” examining how technology can shape more resilient and human-centred environments.
The specialised conference forums further extended these conversations into emerging areas such as virtual power plants and the semiconductor ecosystem, humanising technology, and readiness for cognitive living environments.
ESTCON 2026 comprised three specialised international conferences, each addressing a critical dimension of sustainable development.
The International Conference on Sustainable Living (ICSL) focused on the built environment, intelligent digital ecosystems and sustainable infrastructure, exploring ways to create more inclusive, adaptive and sustainable spaces for communities.
The International Conference on Energy Security (ICES) examined pathways towards secure, affordable and low-carbon energy systems, with discussions spanning renewable energy, hydrogen, advanced energy storage, nuclear technologies and sustainable infrastructure.
The International Conference on Regenerative Futures (ICRF) explored science, technology and policy approaches to climate change, ecosystem restoration, resilience and the regeneration of natural capital.
Collectively, the three conferences created a multidisciplinary platform for researchers, industry and policymakers to exchange knowledge and advance practical solutions across energy, technology, sustainability and regeneration.
Complementing the congress was the Technology and Innovation Exhibition, showcasing emerging technologies, engineering solutions and industry-driven innovations. The exhibition provided organisations with opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities, explore potential collaborations and connect research and innovation with real-world applications.
With its combination of global expertise, cross-disciplinary dialogue and technology-driven innovation, ESTCON 2026 reinforced UTP’s commitment to connecting knowledge, research and industry to address the challenges shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. The congress provided a platform for ideas, partnerships and solutions to move beyond discussion towards meaningful impact for industry and society.
